Nursing Elites

1. The pancreas releases a number of digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Which of the following enzymes is NOT produced by the pancreas?

• A. Trypsin (protein digestion)
• B. Amylase (carbohydrate digestion)
• C. Lipase (fat digestion)
• D. Lactase (sugar digestion)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, and it is produced by the small intestine, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes like trypsin for protein digestion, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and lipase for fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because trypsin, amylase, and lipase are indeed enzymes produced by the pancreas for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively.

2. Which of the following organs does not belong with the others?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Stomach
• C. Intestines
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - Stomach. The stomach is primarily involved in the digestive system, breaking down food through digestion. In contrast, the thyroid gland, intestines, and pancreas are part of the endocrine system or digestive system, involved in hormone production, nutrient absorption, and digestion. Therefore, the stomach stands out as the odd one in this group as it is the only organ specifically dedicated to digestion, while the others have dual roles or different primary functions.

3. Which vitamin is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin K
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it triggers a process where a form of cholesterol in the skin is converted into vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in aiding calcium absorption in the gut, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function but is not produced by sunlight exposure. Vitamin K (Choice C) is known for its role in blood clotting and bone metabolism, but it is not produced by sunlight. Vitamin E (Choice D) is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage but is not synthesized in the skin through sunlight exposure.

4. Which of the following structures is found in the nucleus of a cell?

• A. Mitochondria
• B. Endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Chromosomes
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chromosomes, which contain genetic information, are found in the nucleus of a cell. They play a crucial role in cell division, gene expression, and inheritance. Mitochondria, responsible for energy production, are located in the cytoplasm, not the nucleus. The endoplasmic reticulum is mainly involved in protein and lipid synthesis and is not a component of the nucleus. Ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis, are found in the cytoplasm and on the endoplasmic reticulum, but not in the nucleus.

5. What is the process of converting ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, into a less toxic form?

• A. Deamination
• B. Transamination
• C. Decarboxylation
• D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Deamination is the correct answer. It is the process of removing an amino group from a molecule, like converting ammonia (NH3) into a less toxic form such as urea. Ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, must be converted into a less toxic form for excretion. Deamination is a crucial step that mainly occurs in the liver through the urea cycle. Transamination involves transferring an amino group from one molecule to another, not removing it as in deamination. Decarboxylation is the removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, and hydrolysis is the breakdown of a compound by adding water.

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